『WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE』#11: Two Finalists Decided! LE SSERAFIM's SAKURA Cheers on Eliminated Trainees

New Future TV "ABEMA" broadcasted #11 of the audition program 『WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE』, which aims to discover top-tier talent in Japan for a global debut in 2026, produced by HYBE × Geffen Records, for free from 8 PM on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

What is 『WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE』?

『WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE』 is a scout project by HYBE × Geffen Records, a collaboration between HYBE, which has produced numerous global artists including BTS, and Geffen Records, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, one of the world's largest music companies, making a full-scale entry into the global market. For this project, HYBE × Geffen Records' top scout team visited Japan to conduct a large-scale audition across the country. Together with EMILY, LEXIE, and SAMARA, who participated as trainees in 『The Debut: Dream Academy』, they will discover "only one artist" in Japan to become the final member of a new global girl group debuting from HYBE × Geffen Records in 2026.

The studio cast for this project includes Rino Sashihara, Hikorohi, SAKURA and KAZUHA, members of the globally active five-member girl group LE SSERAFIM belonging to SOURCE MUSIC of HYBE MUSIC GROUP LABELS, and MOKA and IROHA, members of the five-member girl group ILLIT belonging to BELIFT LAB of HYBE MUSIC GROUP LABELS. The luxurious cast will watch over the growth and decision-making moments of the participants who are challenging their dreams.

In #11, broadcast on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the results of the interim evaluation were finally announced, and two individuals were selected to advance to the final selection. The two who successfully secured their spots as finalists were AYANA, who possesses overwhelming skill, and 16-year-old SAKURA, who showed remarkable growth from no experience.

AOI and RINKA, who were unfortunately eliminated at this stage, tearfully expressed their gratitude for this audition, vowed for each other's future, and returned home. To AOI and RINKA, SAKURA (LE SSERAFIM) offered words of encouragement, saying, "I believe in fate, and you never know where your flower will bloom. So, I hope you don't give up and continue to seek various connections throughout your life."

Meanwhile, AYANA and SAKURA, who successfully earned their tickets to the final selection, exchanged a spirited hug and are now set to face each other as formidable rivals in the final battle for the single debut spot.

For 10 days leading up to the final selection, the two will finally join the three debut members (EMILY, LEXIE, SAMARA) and begin joint lessons. The challenge songs to be performed in front of 200 spectators for the final selection have been decided. AYANA will perform 『WE RIDE』, and SAKURA will perform 『PARTY b4 the PARTY』. Rino Sashihara in the studio commented, "You won't know until they mix with the three," and Hikorohi added, "Now, what will happen when they perform with those three?" as they watched with tension. SAKURA (LE SSERAFIM) also held her breath, saying, "What will happen...?" as an unprecedented high wall awaited the two.

AYANA, witnessing the overwhelming aura of the original members, faced the conflicting challenges of "maintaining her individuality while blending in with everyone." Coach Nicky also pointed out, "She's too focused on herself and not conscious of coordinating with others." On the other hand, SAKURA struggled with the high-difficulty choreography for the full song and a lack of vocal intensity. Coach Nicky gave her a harsh evaluation, saying, "Looking only at you, I feel like you don't fit into this group."

Deeply troubled between "fitting into the team" and "expressing individuality," AYANA was pushed to her limits. She had always controlled her emotions, conditioning herself to "smile because she passed," but suddenly, in front of the three debut members, her strained thread snapped, and tears overflowed. To AYANA, who revealed her vulnerability, EMILY and others warmly empathized, saying, "We were in the exact same position, so we understand how you feel," and "Seeing that side of her, we understood how much she desires to debut," and the emotional distance between the four quickly closed.

Meanwhile, SAKURA (the contestant, not LE SSERAFIM's SAKURA)...